Winston Baker and AFCI Partner for Two-Day Event Ahead of Oscars

They will combine efforts to produce the event, set for March 1 and 2 in Los Angeles.

Winston Baker and the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) are teaming up.

The entertainment conference producer and the industry association for film commissions worldwide on Thursday announced a partnership where they will combine efforts to produce a multi-day event in Los Angeles ahead of the Oscars for producers, distributors, commissioners, financiers and policymakers to be held March 1 and 2, 2018, at the W Hollywood Hotel.

“We’re honored to be working with the new leadership team at AFCI and look forward to creating a series of events in conjunction with our 10th Annual Entertainment Finance Forum,” said Katherine Winston, co-founder of Winston Baker.

Added Amy Baker, also co-founder of Winston Baker: “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership brings as the AFCI represents incentives from more than 300 local, regional, and national film commission members across six continents.”

Winston Baker’s Entertainment Finance Forum will cover finance, innovation and growth strategies within the film, television and digital sectors. Industry thought leaders will discuss emerging business models, evolving distribution platforms and investment opportunities in entertainment technology, such as AR, VR, AI and the blockchain phenomenon, as well as the latest in global incentives.

In addition, AFCI will be presenting the inaugural Locations & Libations event, where domestic and international film commissions will feature food and wine from their territories while providing information on filming locations and financial incentives.

“Finding new ways for film commissioners to communicate and collaborate with the production industry is fundamental to our mission,” said AFCI chief operating officer Jess Conoplia. “The partnership announced today with Winston Baker is an integral part of the AFCI's member activity in Los Angeles in Q1 next year, and will lead to a series of events worldwide designed to help our members succeed in today’s highly competitive marketplace.”